Solving the Unemployment Debacle in Environmental Health Profession

Solving the Unemployment Debacle in Environmental Health Profession

One of the foremost challenges confronting the Environmental Health practice in Nigeria today is the issue of unemployment which has turned our highly intelligent officers into scavengers and rufflers.  To many of the unemployed sanitarians, the leaders and elderly Sanitarians are doing nothing or not enough to solve the imbroglio.

Many blames are placed at the feet of EHORECON and EHOAN National and States Executives for this issue. But we must not be unmindful of the fact that Environmental health is not the only profession hit by this malaise of unemployment, it is a general phenomenon. It cuts across professions and class.

Arguments have been put forward by many that when State governments place advertisements in the health sector, more often than not, environmental health officers' positions are usually left out. Sadly, this is true. Even when it is being advertised, required degrees are above what the average EHO possess, like the botched Federal Ministry of Health advertisement in 2014 during the height of the Ebola outbreak.

But the question is how do we solve the unemployment debacle in our dear profession?

San. (Prince) Peter Uwagbale, National President EHOAN

Firstly, let me say that there is no EHO anywhere who doesn't wish to look behind and see his juniors working behind him. As a leader in the profession, it's a pride to see younger ones you can call to groom, expecting that very soon they will take your place. So the idea of some EHOS not wanting others to come in does not arise.

In finding a lasting solution to this challenge, we must admit that the Government cannot employ all the graduate EHOs. At least about 1,500 EHOs graduate every year from our Schools and Colleges of Health, that excluding the Universities now training EHOs. Just as the government can't employ all other professionals in its employ, the same applies to our profession.

Here are some of the steps that if taken will lessen the burden of unemployment to at least a bearable minimum.

1. Create More Value.
For those of us who are already practitioners, it behoves on us now more than ever to create value. The government must see the need for more of us. If we don't leave an impact on the environment that we claim to police, how do we convince them that there is a need to employ more EHOs? Lagos EHOAN State did this during the heat of the Lassa fever outbreak and this attracted the press and ultimately the governor of the state.

Go out, carry out inspections, secure court orders, seal premises, make noise, health educate the public, inspect government buildings and ensure you are seen. Just ensure you create value, so we are not seen as a financial burden to the state purse.

2. Make Use of the Press.
The use of the Press, electronic, print and social media, cannot be overemphasized especially in the propagation of this profession. When you do not publicise what you do through the media, it is like batting your eyes in the dark, engaging in activities without notice. We must be ready to spend heavily on TV and radio as well as online paper to inform the world about what we have been doing.

When this is done, opportunities will begin to unravel because private organizations ignorant of their need of us will know and take action.

3. The Need for Personal Development
It is quite unfortunate that many graduate EHOs are not actually employable. Many cannot write or construct simple sentences in English language. At this time and age, many young and graduate EHOs cannot use the ICT to their advantage except for facebook and whatsapp.




If we must become a force to be reckoned with, or if we must stand on the pedestal of right opportunities, personal development must be taken seriously. I have heard some say we did not study English Language as a core course, and I dare to say that that is balderdash. Improve your grammar, your writing and spoken English. Learn and acquire skills in ICT, these will project you high among the pack.

4. Enviropreneur is the Way to Go.
More will be written on this subject later. But let us know that, if we will get the kind of financial stability we really desire, entrepreneurship is the best way to get there. Enviropreneur is entrepreneurship in environmental health. Begin to think about establishing Your own outfit.

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Several areas are still hiding in the mines for us to tap into, if only we can open our eyes and not be lazy. We often say that there is no money but many are reading this article on Infinix Hot4, Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge, IPhone5 and the likes. Any of these phones are more than enough to start a small business in Environmental health.

In conclusion, overcoming the challenge of unemployment in this profession is a collective responsibility, not only for those within the government circle but including those directly affected. Play your part and this battle shall be won for good.

God bless you.